October 2018
Hazard’s not Eden anywhere
Leading spread betting firm price Belgian to remain at Chelsea until end of 2019/20 season
Tuesday 9th October 2018 – Eden Hazard will remain a Blue for the next two seasons according to leading sports spread betting firm, Sporting Index.
Quoting his time left at Stamford Bridge as 625 days, the Chelsea midfielder is expected to see out his current contract, which expires in two years’ time, before eyeing up a big money move to the much-rumoured Spanish giants Real Madrid on the 25th June 2020.
Despite rumours circling that the Belgian might push for a move next summer, or even in January, Sporting Index traders believe Maurizio Sarri will be able to keep his star man for a little while longer.
Ed Fulton, trading spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “The fixed odds bookmakers are suggesting it’s quite likely that Eden Hazard will head for the exit in the summer, if not January, whereas we think the Belgian will remain loyal to his club for a little while longer and remain at the Bridge for the next two seasons.
“If Chelsea get themselves back playing at Europe’s top table then Hazard could be tempted to stay, and our prediction of 625 days pencils his departure date in for June 2020.”
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Leinster set to lift record-breaking fifth European Champions Cup trophy
315 tries, 230 kicked penalties, seven drop goals and four red cards – Sporting Index traders predict the numbers behind 2018/19 Champions Cup
Friday 12th October, 2018 – Ahead of the opening weekend of European Rugby’s Champions Cup, leading spread betting firm Sporting Index have predicted the numbers behind the tournament – with Leinster set to lift the trophy for a record-breaking fifth time.
Leinster drew level with Toulouse for most Champions Cup wins after their triumph last season, but if Sporting Index’s traders are correct then Leinster will stand alone at the top of European rugby with a record five wins come the end of the season.
Not only do the spread betting experts predict a win for Leinster in May’s final at St James’ Park, they also expect their New Zealand winger James Lowe to finish the tournament as top try scorer.
Sporting Index have also predicted there will be a total of 315 tries in the tournament this season – which would be 51 less than last season’s total tally. There are 230 kicked penalties and seven drop goals expected this season, while the spread bettors predict a total of four red cards.
Ed Fulton, trading spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “We predict Leinster will retain their Champions Cup crown this season. The Irish outfit saw off the challenge from Racing 92 in last season’s final, and we think they will come good again this year – don’t be surprised to see James Lowe top the try scoring table either given his excellent form of late.
“Our rugby experts have also predicted that total tries this season will be lower than last season – we believe there will be 315 compared to the 366 clocked up last year.”
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Hammond set for thirsty, hour-long Budget speech
59 minutes, six sips of water, 33 mentions of ‘billion’ and four references to Brexit – the Autumn Budget in numbers
Monday 29th October 2018 – Philip Hammond will make thirsty work of the Autumn Budget, according to spread betting firm Sporting Index, who predict the Chancellor will need six sips of water to get through his parliamentary speech this afternoon.
The Chancellor is set to address the House of Commons for 59 minutes today – which would be just two minutes shorter than last year's Autumn Budget – with his speech expected to include four references to 'Brexit' and 33 mentions of 'billion'.
Given the controversy surrounding the UK’s fast-approaching departure from the European Union, Hammond's speech is likely to draw many to question the government's policies and the political experts at Sporting Index predict there will be four calls for ‘order’ in the house from Commons Speaker John Bercow.
Tax, VAT and NHS are also widely expected to appear throughout Hammond’s speech – Sporting Index have priced 32 mentions of ‘tax’, 13 references to NHS and believe the Chancellor will say ‘VAT’ 12 times.
Ed Fulton, political spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “Philip Hammond's Budget speech last year was just over an hour, and we expect the Chancellor to be there or thereabouts this year. There's plenty to cover off, with Brexit likely to be a regular theme throughout the speech, and we predict four mentions this afternoon.
"Hammond hasn't been known to reach for too many sips of water in previous speeches, but Theresa May's infamous coughing fit last year should see him take no chances. We think it’s going to be thirsty work for the Chancellor this afternoon.”
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Pogba to take 13-step run-up for his next penalty
Leading spread betting firm back the Man United midfielder to cut down run-up for next spot-kick
Tuesday 30th October 2018 – Paul Pogba will have a much reduced run-up for his next penalty, according to leading sports spread betting firm, Sporting Index, with the Manchester United midfielder predicted to take 13 steps for his next spot-kick.
The Frenchman grabbed headlines after his bizarre run-up against Everton on Sunday, taking a remarkable 26 steps lasting nearly 10 seconds, before seeing his penalty saved by Jordan Pickford – though he did score the rebound.
The penalty technique has seen manager Jose Mourinho claim he needs to change his approach, which could be revealed in United’s next game against Bournemouth should the Red Devils win a penalty and the Frenchman remains on spot-kick duty.
Traders at Sporting Index think Pogba will indeed cut down his penalty run-up for his next United spot-kick, predicting the World Cup winner to take 13 steps, half as many as against Everton.
They also believe Pogba will score twice more from 12 yards before the season is out, though he’ll miss a further one – to go alongside the three successful and two unsuccessful penalties he’s managed this season.
Ed Fulton, trading spokesman for Sporting Index, said: “Paul Pogba has been, quite literally, hit or miss when it comes to scoring penalties for Manchester United this season, and we think he is set to cut down his run-up to 13 strides when he next steps up to the spot.
“13 steps is still a long way though, and given his two missed penalties from five so far this term, we think he’ll miss at least one more before the season is out.”
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